October 2017 Investor Letter

Executive Summary:

The stock market continues to climb higher on record low volatility. If this trend continues, European stocks will break out above 17 year resistance levels to new all time highs. If this breakout occurs (and holds), the Active Asset Allocator will take a position in European shares. The risk will be modest. Above 400-415 on the Eurostoxx 600 Index and I am a buyer. A meaningful close back below 400 and I will close or significantly reduce the position. I will let the charts be my guide. Apart from valuation concerns, stocks continue to exhibit bullish characteristics. I have pointed out a few areas of concern in recent Investor Letters, including a decline in the number of stocks making new highs versus new lows and have highlighted another area of potential weakness/divergence in this month's investment update. It is worthy of continued observation in the months ahead. For now, the Active Asset Allocator maintains an allocation of 20% global equities / 20% EU government bonds / 15% inflation linked bonds / 5% EU aggregate bonds / 30% precious metals / 10% cash.

Turning to precious metals, as recently noted, Sprott Asset Management has agreed to acquire the common shares of Central Fund of Canada Limited (CFCL) and the rights to administer and manage CFCL’s assets. Upon completion of the transaction, all CFCL Class A shares will be exchanged for units in a new Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust. US$300 million in value is expected to be realized for CFCL class A shareholders, relative to 9% pre-announcement net asset value (“NAV”) discount. Good news for existing holders of Central Fund of Canada shares. The 7-9% discount has reduced to 2% and will be eliminated once the deal closes. Also please note, a Gold Trader performance update will follow shortly.

Finally, for the history buffs amongst you, I posted an article in the Research section of the website entitled "The 1929 Parallel", written by John Kenneth Galbraith and published in the January 1987 issue of The Atlantic Magazine. The article is interesting both for its content and the timeliness of its publication in January 1987. Click here to view the October 2017 Investor Letter.

Active Asset Allocation Track Record

The Active Asset Allocator investment strategy is designed to deliver a consistent level of positive returns  over time with a strong focus on capital preservation. I follow a multi-asset investment approach, actively allocating between global equities, bonds, precious metals, currencies and cash. I always invest with the primary trend of the market and do not follow a benchmark. Instead, I manage the market risk for clients. My strategy has returned +10% per annum net of fees since inception. My active asset allocation approach is best illustrated in the following chart.

Technical Trend Indicator Performance History

ONE2ONE: We also offer one-to-one sessions where we provide an advisory service tailored to suit your individual investment goals and objectives. We show how you can implement your investment decisions in a low cost way and avoid the expensive commissions and management fees typically charged by the investment industry in Ireland.